Let me tell you, whenever I think about Australian desserts, my mind goes straight to my very first Lamington in Brisbane. How in the world had I gone so long without trying one? With its soft sponge and coconut coating, it’s no wonder this treat is a true Australian icon!
1.Yo-Yo Biscuits
These sandwich cookies are like Australia’s take on whoopie pies, and they’re a total treat. The secret ingredient? Custard powder.
It not only gives them a creamy flavor but also keeps them super moist and tender. Roll the dough into little balls and bake for just 10 minutes–perfect for a cute afternoon tea snack.
On their own, they’re great, but when you sandwich them together with colorful buttercream, they level up. Feeling adventurous? Mix in some lemon or passion fruit curd into the buttercream for a fresh twist.
2.Picnic Cake
Meet your new favorite companion for a cozy day at home or on the go.
This cake is perfect with a cup of tea and travels like a pro, which is how it got its name.
The base, made with oatmeal, brown sugar, and cinnamon, gives it a hearty breakfast bar vibe. It’s soft, dense, and loaded with chocolate chips for an extra touch of sweetness.
Feel free to get creative by adding some chopped fruit or peanut butter chips to the mix–your taste buds will thank you!
3.Authentic Anzac Biscuits
These classic chewy cookies are a game-changer–made with oats and golden syrup for that perfect sweet, flapjack-like texture. They skip the eggs but make up for it with a delightful coconut twist you’ll love.
When baked to perfection, they boast a caramelized, crisp edge and a chewy, oat-y, coconut-packed center that’s pure perfection.
4.Lamingtons
A classic Lamington is a buttery square sponge cake smothered in rich chocolate glaze and rolled in desiccated coconut for that perfect finish.
Sometimes, you might find it split in the middle and layered with raspberry jam for an extra burst of flavor.
But here’s a twist: the Strawberry Lamington swaps the chocolate glaze for strawberry jelly before coating it in coconut. It’s a sweet, fruity spin on the original that’s just as delightful!
5.Chocolate Caramel Slice
When it comes to trying local favorites while traveling, this one is a must.
Known to the Brits as Millionaire Shortbread, this version swaps beetroot for coconut in the base–a popular choice that pops up in many Aussie recipes.
The coconut shortbread base is a perfect mix of buttery and crumbly.
For the caramel layer, a pro tip: use full-fat condensed milk to get it just right and achieve those stunning layers when you slice it.
6.Homemade Tim Tams
If you haven’t experienced the magic of a Tim Tam, let’s fix that right now.
This iconic Australian treat is a chocolate sandwich cookie filled with malted milk and chocolate buttercream, all wrapped in a rich chocolate coating.
The biscuits are made with familiar ingredients like flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and Dutched cocoa powder, which gives them that deep, velvety chocolate flavor. Once baked and filled, these babies are ready to be enjoyed.
But here’s the fun part: the Tim Tam Slam. Bite off the opposite corners and use it as a straw for your drink–it’s a game-changer.
Pair it with your favorite coffee, and you’re in for a real treat. Give it a try and see why it’s a national treasure!
7.Chocolate Crackles
These bite-sized chocolate treats are as simple as they are delicious. With just five ingredients–icing sugar, cocoa powder, rice puffs, coconut, and melted Copha–you can create something everyone will love. Don’t know what Copha is?
No worries! It’s a vegetable shortening made from coconut oil. You can easily swap it with Crisco or coconut oil if you prefer. The result? Crispy, fun, and totally irresistible chocolate bites.
Enjoy them plain in colorful paper cups, or get creative by topping them with mini-marshmallows or sprinkles for an extra-special touch.
8.Jelly Slice
This classic Australian jelly slice is a sweet treat that’s easy to love.
It starts with a crunchy base made from Arnott’s Biscuits, followed by a creamy layer of condensed milk and gelatin–though we like to think of it as a cheesecake-inspired filling!
The pièce de résistance is the Aeroplane jelly on top, adding a burst of fruity flavor.
Here’s a tip: make sure the middle layer is completely set and cooled before adding the jelly to keep those layers looking sharp.
The result is a dessert that’s light, sweet, and almost too cute to eat.
9.Beetroot Cake with Orange Frosting
Aussies love beetroot, and it’s not just for burgers or salads. They even bake it into cakes!
This spiced cake is a fun twist on carrot cake, using grated beetroot, apple sauce, and orange zest for a refreshing flavor.
The tangy orange-flavored cream cheese frosting and passion fruit on top make it a standout. Perfect with a cup of tea, this recipe is a game-changer you’ll love!
10.Louise Cake
Looking for a must-try coconut recipe? This Australian-inspired treat is more of a tray bake than a traditional cake. The base is a perfect blend of sponge and shortbread, offering a delightful texture.
It’s layered with raspberry jam for a sweet-tart touch and topped with a coconut macaroon layer for added richness.
The raspberries add a nice zing, but feel free to experiment with other jams for a different twist. For an extra indulgent touch, a drizzle of dark chocolate on top would be simply divine.
11.The Iced Vo-Vo
Meet the Australian classic: iced vo-vos! These iconic cookies start with a simple base of butter, sugar, eggs, and flour. Just chill the dough, roll it into the traditional rectangle shape, and bake until golden.
Once cooled, it’s time for the fun part–spreading pink fondant over the cookies. For a pro tip, cover two or three cookies at once instead of doing stripes.
Pipe a line of jam down the center while the fondant is still wet, and finish it off with a sprinkle of coconut.
You’ll have a batch ready in about an hour–perfect for a quick, sweet treat!
12.Salted Honey Macadamia Tart
If you’re a pecan pie fan, you’ll love this Aussie-inspired twist! This tart features a buttery pastry base topped with a crunchy, chewy, and nutty filling. The star of the show?
Salted honey, which adds a sweet and savory touch that’s a refreshing change from salted caramel. It’s a little something special that will have you sitting up straight after the first bite.
Prep time is just 20 minutes, and after about 45 minutes in the oven, it’s ready to impress.
Pro tip: toasting your nuts before adding them to the filling brings out even more flavor–and it’s such a simple step!
This tart sets beautifully, just like a pecan pie, and it’s absolute perfection when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
13.Hokey Pokey Ice Cream
Hokey Pokey Ice Cream is a sweet treat that’s all about that honeycomb crunch! If you’re lucky, you can find honeycomb at the store–score! But if not, don’t worry.
Making it at home is totally doable with just a pot, a sugar thermometer, and a bit of patience.
Just remember, timing is everything–step away for a second, and you might end up with burnt honeycomb (trust me, I’ve been there!).
If store-bought honeycomb is nowhere to be found, keep an eye out for chocolate-covered honeycomb candy bars. Chop ’em up, and you’ll get that delicious honeycomb flavor with a bonus layer of chocolate goodness.
Once you’ve got your honeycomb, mix it into a creamy vanilla ice cream base. The result? A fabulous caramel crunch in every single bite. Heads up: you’ll need an ice cream maker for this one.
But trust me, once you taste the magic of homemade ice cream, you’ll be hooked.
It’s so easy to create your own unique flavors that you’ll wonder why you ever bought ice cream from the store.
Maybe add an ice cream maker to your wish list–your taste buds will thank you!
14.Matt Moran’s Gaytime Trifle
Golden Gaytime is a beloved Australian ice cream flavor that’s now a show-stopping trifle. This dessert layers caramel and vanilla gelato (or ice cream) with chocolate and crushed biscuit pieces for a decadent treat.
Top it all off with caramel popcorn for a eye-catching finish. Serve it up with all those layers and a drizzle of salted caramel for the ultimate dessert experience.
Perfect for your next gathering or special occasion!
15.Mango and Passionfruit Australian Mess
Looking for a tropical twist on a classic dessert? This Australian Eton Mess is just the treat! It’s a creative spin on the traditional English dessert, swapping strawberries for mango and passionfruit. The best part?
It’s super easy to make! You can use store-bought mini-meringue nests–no one will judge.
The goal here isn’t perfection; it’s all about layering those meringue pieces with fresh mango chunks, whipped cream, and a drizzle of mango and passionfruit puree. The result?
A quick, delicious, and visually appealing dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Just pile it all into a glass and enjoy the tropical flavors!
16.Choc-Cherry Tart
Here’s a fresh spin on the Aussie classic Cherry Ripe Cake, transformed into a divine tart.
Inspired by Australia’s beloved chocolate and cherry candy bar, this dessert brings those iconic flavors to life in a whole new way. First, you’ll need a chocolate pastry crust.
Don’t worry if you can’t find it at the store–it’s surprisingly easy to make at home. The filling? Think cherry pie, but with a twist.
It’s packed with juicy morello and glace cherries for a sweet and tangy mix.
Before pouring it into your baked and cooled pastry, fold in some coconut for added texture and let it chill for about an hour.
Finally, the finishing touch: a smooth ganache spread evenly over the top. Use a fork to create a textured, rustic look that’s almost too pretty to eat. Almost.
17.The Vegemite Brownie
Before you scroll by… hear me out! I know – you either love it or you hate it. The issue with Vegemite is that people tend to use way too much.
A little goes a long way – just a super-thin spread is all you need. This recipe mixes the salty, rich flavor of Vegemite with bitter chocolate to create something truly unique.
It’s hard to describe, but trust me – it’s magic. Give it a try and see what you think!
18.Dolly Varden Cake
Dolly Varden, the vibrant character from Charles Dickens’ Barnaby Rudge, is famous for her extravagant style. This cake captures her flair with a doll at its center, nestled in a boxed design.
You can use a Dolly Varden cake pan to create this childhood favorite, but it’s just as easy to craft by stacking and trimming your own cakes.
The classic look comes together by cutting pink and white marshmallows in half and arranging them over the doll’s ‘dress’ for a charming, traditional finish.
19.Easy Milo Balls
Milo is a cherished Aussie drink that’s a hit with kids and adults alike.
With a flavor that’s a perfect mix of hot chocolate and malted milk, it’s no wonder it’s a staple in many homes.
When you blend Milo with crushed biscuits and condensed milk, you get scrumptious cake balls that are irresistible. Ready in just 10 minutes, these treats are then rolled in coconut for a delightful finish.
20.Neenish Tarts
These bite-sized tarts are a delight, featuring a crumbly pastry crust, a sweet and tangy lemony filling, and a fun two-tone icing on top.
Popular in both Australia and New Zealand, they sometimes include an extra layer of jam at the base for added flavor.
The custard-like filling is made by blending butter, icing sugar, and condensed milk, often with a hint of lemon juice for a refreshing twist.
These tarts are as adorable as they are delicious, with their colorful two-tone or pink and white tops. Best of all, they’re perfect as individual treats–since the filling doesn’t set well in a large tart.
Enjoy these charming little bites!
21.Vanilla Slice
Vanilla slices are a delightful treat that’s just as popular in the UK as it is everywhere else. The best part? It’s surprisingly simple to make and can be ready in under 15 minutes!
Start by baking some store-bought puff pastry in the oven at around 220°F. Once baked, gently flatten it while it’s still warm and let it cool completely.
Next, whip up the filling by whisking together cream, instant vanilla pudding mix, a touch of vanilla, and some icing sugar until it’s smooth and creamy.
Spread this mixture over one of the pastry sheets, then top it with the other.
For a finishing touch, a light dusting of powdered sugar works nicely, but why not take it up a notch with a drizzle of icing glaze?
Perfectly sweet and creamy, this dessert is sure to impress!
22.Fairy Bread
Fairy bread is a classic Australian treat that’s simple yet full of nostalgia. It’s made with just three ingredients: sliced white bread, butter, and colorful sprinkles.
Sounds a bit quirky, but trust us, it’s a delicious blast from the past.
Each bite brings back childhood memories, and even if you didn’t grow up with it, the fun and simplicity will have you singing along to your favorite tunes. The secret to making it extra special?
Using rainbow sprinkles for that vibrant, magical touch.
23.Pavlova
Pavlovas are as Aussie as shrimp on the barbie, and for good reason–they’re a total showstopper! This meringue dessert boasts a perfectly crisp exterior and a soft, chewy marshmallow-like center. The secret?
Baking it low and slow, then letting it cool in the oven to dry out the crust. Classic pavlovas are smothered in whipped cream and fresh berries, but this recipe takes a delicious detour.
Imagine a creamy passion fruit curd paired with mascarpone–it’s a game-changing twist on the original. Trust us, this one’s a must-try!
23 Traditional Australian Desserts
Course: BreakfastCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalLet me tell you, whenever I think about Australian desserts, my mind goes straight to my very first Lamington in Brisbane. How in the world had I gone so long without trying one? With its soft sponge and coconut coating, it’s no wonder this treat is a true Australian icon!
Ingredients
Yo-Yo Biscuits
Picnic Cake
Authentic Anzac Biscuits
Lamingtons
Chocolate Caramel Slice
Homemade Tim Tams
Chocolate Crackles
Jelly Slice
Beetroot Cake with Orange Frosting
Louise Cake
The Iced Vo-Vo
Salted Honey Macadamia Tart
Hokey Pokey Ice Cream
Matt Moran’s Gaytime Trifle
Mango and Passionfruit Australian Mess
Choc-Cherry Tart
The Vegemite Brownie
Dolly Varden Cake
Easy Milo Balls
Neenish Tarts
Vanilla Slice
Fairy Bread
Pavlova
Directions
- Select your favorite recipe.
- Organize all the required ingredients.
- Prep a delicious recipe in 30 minutes or less!